Astrology in Action

A Window Into Which an Astrologer Peers

Personality and First Impressions: Rising and Guiding Planets by Cara Rungo

The Ascendant and the Rising Planet by Cara Rungo

What
if a planet or planets conjunct the Ascendant? Does it do the exact
same thing and have the exact same affect on an individual. Well, not
exactly according astrologer and author Pat McDonald Strickland, who
wrote Person to Person Astrology: Insight Into Compatibility.

According
to Strickland, the ascendant and the rising planet are different. The
ascendant still represents the persona--the mask individuals present to
the world. However, the author described the Ascendant as a window:

"It
is like a window between you and the world. It symbolizes the way you
view the world as well as the way the world views you. As with a
window, the image perceived by the viewer depends to a large extent upon
the condition of the glass. the sign on the ascendant is the "glass,"
affecting the vision." (pp.20, Strickland)

A
badly aspected or otherwise weak chart ruler causes the window pane to
appear foggy or dirty. This distorts the self image to some degree.

The
rising planet is the next factor encountered after we encounter the
ascendant. The rising planet does largely the same thing to some extent
as the ascendant like project a certain image to the outside world and
colors personality and physical characteristics. But, whereas the
ascendant proclaims, "I am," the rising planet completes the statement
by adding, "I am intelligent (Jupiter rising) or "I am assertive" (Mars
rising).

To determine the rising planet, it is the
planet in closest proximity to the ascendant. Look first to any planets
conjunct the ascendant. Then, note the planets occupying the first
house. If the first house is empty, look to the second house or even
the twelfth house.

Having the rising planet or planets
in the same sign as the ascendant makes it is easier for natives to
express than having the two energies in dissimilar signs. It also adds
to the complexity of character. Moreover, more than one planet rising
further complicates character.

Strickland wrote that both the ascendant and the rising planet or planets function as a team:

"...they must be trained to pull the load together in harmony. If
a rising planet happens to be in a sign in which it is ill at ease
because of conflicting energies or impulses, you have to work out the
kinks if you want to make a favorable first impression. An example is Saturn in Aries. The planet stands for caution, but the sign is eager for action. It's like trying to drive eighty miles an hour with your brakes pressed to the floorboard. Some compromise must be effected." (pp. 25, Strickland)

The Guiding Planet byCaraRungo

The guiding planet in astrology is the first
planet immediately preceding the Sun. This planet is known by many
names. Ancient astrologers referred to it as the Planet of Oriental
Appearance. It is also referred to as the Spear Bearer, the scout
planet, the skill symbol, Dustoria/Ductoria.

It is
reputed as a position of power within the chart that plays a large part
in both vocation and energies that comprise personality and first
impressions. It is a pioneering planet that shows the Sun the way. It
is a beacon. According to astrologer and author Pat Donald Strickland
writes in her book, Person to Person Astrology: Insight Into
Compatibility:

"the
scout planet.... acts much like a guide on a safari through a jungle.
It goes ahead of you, preparing the way and directing your path. To a
large extent what the Sun (the self) experiences is seen through the
eyes of the scout....making a powerful impression upon everyone you
meet. It influences every close relationship." (pp.30, Strickland)

The
scout filters actions and how we experience our Sun. To find the scout
planet, look to the first planet before the Sun in a clockwise
direction. It is an earlier degree in the Sun sign or and earlier sign.

Astrologer Michael R. Meyer writes:

"...it represents both your inner guiding principle and your innate skills
and special faculties, and how both may be best realized, enhanced and
applied. Your Skill Symbol shows you how to best handle and cope with
the demands and opportunities of daily life in a skillful, productive
and fulfilling manner, and where your inherent skills and practical
abilities lie. As your Guiding Planet, the planet rising immediately
before the Sun symbolizes the faculties and inner senses scouting your
path ahead, or your ability to navigate the best course to
self-realization and fulfillment." (Meyer)

The guiding planet determines skill set. Listed below is the guiding planet through the signs:

Moon

Guiding
Moon is overly sensitive and easily offended. Moods are a direct
reflection of immediate environment. Upon first impression, they strike
others as sensitive and inwardly reflective. Natives use intuition in
their day-to-day mundane tasks. They busily keep up with constant
change and interruptions in daily lives. Intuition helps pinpoint the
root of arising problems. Skills include organizational skills,
customer service, dealing with the general public, housekeeper,
laundress, innkeeper, homemaker, nurturer, caregiver, working with
women, children and infants, food service and hospitality industries and
educator.

Mercury

Mercury
is the most common planetary scout because of its relative position to
the Sun. Oriental Mercury is talkative and interesting. Upon first
impression, they strike others as thinkers and/or witty. Natives should
think before taking action. They always appear busy,
constantly dealing with distractions and noise. They function on a
mental plane, and they approach problems logically. They would rather
be aware of all their options. They easily develop good ideas to tackle
mundane problems. Skills include both written and oral communication,
technological communication, processing data, couriers, messengers,
authors, comedians, transportation workers and ambassadors.

Venus

Venus
scouts are in search of harmony, love and happiness. Upon first
impression, Oriental Venus appears kind, affectionate and fair. They
value relationships, compromise and harmonious interpersonal
communication, and they have a way of smoothing over any
unpleasantness. They also value people, and they find worth in everyone
and everything. Although they act to fulfill the needs of others, they
can be self-serving narcissists. Natives approach arising problems
with both diplomacy and creativity. They make excellent artists,
musicians, couturiers, cosmetologists, diplomats, peacemakers, lawmakers
and all those working within the judiciary system.

Mars

Oriental
Mars are eager to challenge others, and they love a good competition.
Natives prove assertive, quick to action and energetic, giving that
needed push to others. These people have insight into the motivation of
others. They also know how to motivate others to action, rallying the
troops, so to speak. Upon first impression, they strike others as
aggressive, demanding and just plain rude. Actions invite plenty of
enmity. But, they get things done. This position approaches problems
head on. Mars scouts often rise to the top in their professional sphere
because of their ambition combined with their stamina to keep on going
the distance. Natives should stop and think before they act. Guiding
Mars skills include: sales, athletics, military, police, firefighters,
auto mechanics and corporate officers.

Jupiter

Guiding
Jupiter is honest and jovial. Natives uplift and inspire others
through action. They easily tolerate others' idiosyncrasies. Upon
first impression, these people appear intelligent, genuine and sincere.
However, they can also appear snobbish and judgmental as their moral
compasses may be tightly wound. These people approach arising problems
intellectually. The dislike mundane tasks, delegating work to those
best suited for the job. Jupiter scouts often enjoy great professional
success in which they hold much social responsibility. Natives excel in
any position of social power. They make great politicians,
dignitaries, ambassadors, corporate officers, clergy, professors,
counselors, educators, lawyers and all those within the judiciary
system.

Saturn

Saturn
scouts project themselves as structured, goal-oriented and
serious-minded. These people test others and their actions do not
deviate or change from day to day. Upon first impression, others
perceive them as conservative and reliable leaders albeit boring. They
may appear unassuming and quiet. Natives overcome by adopting a
pragmatic approach to arising problems. Mundane
tasks are their specialty. These people prefer to work with clearly
defined long-range goals. Oriental Saturn often reaches the heights of
success through hard work and determination. Skills include positions
of social power and social responsibility. They make excellent
politicians, corporate officers, financiers, mentors and educators.

Uranus

Guiding
Uranus is original and progressive--the face of change. Upon first
impression, Oriental Uranus appears unique and unconventional and even
ahead of their time. Natives appear a bit untamed and rebellious.
Those with this position abhor rules, regulations and mundane tasks.
They approach arising problems in unique ways, developing new and
ingenius solutions to everyday tasks. Uranus scout enters the scene to
revolutionize. Guiding Uranus skills include: technological skills,
electrician, scientific fields, solar power, astrologer and
environmentalist.

Neptune

Oriental
Neptune is enigmatic, hypnotic and a true visionary. Upon first
impression, others consider them compassionate, altruistic and perhaps a
bit perplexing. Many perceive them as shifty and dishonest. They deal
poorly with the mundane. However, they solve problems using creativity
and imagination. They solve problems using their hunches as intuition
is strong. Problems may just seem to dissolve for the natives.
Neptune scout enters the scene to raze, making room for the expansion
Jupiter promises. Skills include psychic, gypsy, philanthropist,
socialist, dancer, journalist, broadcaster, photographer and fields
related to media and the film industry.

Pluto

Pluto
scouts are mysterious and sexy. Upon first impression, they strike
others as forceful, imposing and dictatorial. People sense their
formidable inner strength. Natives possess an unbreakable will.
However, they are adept at breaking others and giving ultimatums. They
make enemies. Foes must never underestimate Pluto's power or the extent
to which they will stoop to win. Crises is their specialty. Others
rely on them to control stressful situations. Deep insight pinpoints
the source of problems. Natives excel in positions of power. They make
great stalkers, crime bosses, spies, private investigators, magicians,
psychologists, psychiatrists, plumbers and all fields related to
recyclables, nuclear and renewable energy.

Saturn Safe in Spica by Cara Rungo

Saturn
currently lies in what ancient astrologers called Via Combusta. Via
Combusta is a cluster of fixed stars considered extremely unfortunate
that lie between 15° Libra and 15° Scorpio.

Although
used mostly for horary delineation of the all-important luminaries, it
should be considered for all planetary bodies when interpreting the
chart.

Via Combusta is translated to mean "the fiery
way" or "the burning way." It is believed that any planet located in
Via Combusta causes its energy to "burn up" or "burn out." The
planetary energy can be taken literally to mean it ignites, burns up and
fizzles out. This denotes fires.

The only saving
grace within this dangerous cluster of stars is Spica 23°50' Libra and
Arcturus 24°14' Libra. If any planet be located on either of these
fortunate, blessed fixed stars, it is protected. Therefore, the
misfortune of Via Combusta cannot touch it.

Saturn
is currently on Spica, protecting it as it transits through "the burning
way." Saturn located at this most auspicious degree gives some peace
of mind. But what does it mean when not found in the bosom of the
blessed stars?

Saturn in the fiery way warms the
Greater Malefic's affect, inspiring it to build solid long-lasting
things in a hurry. It adopts a burning desire for action. Saturn
matched with a fiery element likened to Mars portends a call to action
in the career arena. The fire element lends faith and confidence in
one's abilities, strengthening Saturn's ability to execute its duties
and its building power. Fire helps dilute Saturnine fear and
hesitancy.

It could spark legal battles and bring
heavy Saturnine consequences through incarceration. Cold authoritative
Saturn holds the power to build structure. In turn, Via Combusta holds
the power to burn structure to its very core. Perhaps legal,
governmental or societal structure or the authority that governs any of
these structures comes under fire.

This transitory
path could be responsible for igniting a fire beneath slow-plodding
Saturn, inspiring it to create something concrete and spiritual in
nature (such as building a brick and mortar church). Crystallization
meets spiritual fire. Because fire is the element that represents the
spirit, this seems a plausible manifestation of Saturn.

In fact, any of these manifestations of the Greater Malefic seem plausible while transiting Via Combusta.